Here's what you need to know when driving in Florida
Across the Sunshine State, there are 267,793 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you ready with the best — and most affordable — insurance policy, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance in Florida
What's the cheapest car insurance in Florida?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA | $1,014 |
| 2 | Allied | $1,790 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,834 |
| 4 | Travelers | $1,907 |
| 5 | Auto-Owners | $2,128 |
| 6 | GEICO | $2,144 |
| 7 | 21st Century | $2,360 |
| 8 | Hanover | $2,484 |
| 9 | Esurance | $2,611 |
| 10 | Direct General | $2,687 |
| 11 | Mercury | $2,835 |
| 12 | Allstate | $2,838 |
| 13 | MetLife | $2,929 |
| 14 | Safeco | $2,957 |
| 15 | Kingsway America Group | $3,153 |
| 16 | United Automobile | $3,199 |
| 17 | Progressive | $3,228 |
| 18 | Metropolitan | $3,562 |
Compare car insurance rates!
Cheap auto insurance in Florida — for good drivers
Good drivers can save money on car insurance! Insurance companies use your driving record as a way to predict what kind of risk you pose. Without at-fault accidents, speeding tickets or DUIs on your record, you are a less risky and more affordable customer for an insurance company.
In addition to cheaper premiums, some companies offer good driver discounts. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%. If we’re looking beyond just average rates and at individual companies, Nationwide seems to have the cheapest rates for good drivers.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $523 | 22.49% |
| No Accidents | $672 | 27.16% |
| Good Credit | $1,666 | 48.02% |
Cheap car insurance in Florida — for new drivers
Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 pay the most for car insurance across the U.S. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. For teen drivers, historically the most expensive drivers to insure, we’ve found that Geico Progressive, and Liberty Mutual are the cheapest companies.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $5,500 | $5,984 |
| 17 | $5,148 | $5,604 |
| 18 | $5,117 | $4,855 |
| 19 | $4,547 | $3,806 |
Affordable Florida car insurance — for bad drivers
Having a bad driving record can be a huge burden for getting cheap car insurance - no matter your location. In Florida in 2017, a DUI raised rates an average of $934 a year. Other violations, such as an at-fault accident or a speeding ticket will also hurt your driving record. Based on our research, if you’ve had a DUI or at-fault accident, your best bet for cheap car insurance is to shop with Liberty Mutual, State Farm, or Nationwide.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $2,476 | 27.16% |
| DUI | $2,740 | 34.17% |
| Speeding Violation | $2,327 | 22.49% |
| Bad Credit | $3,470 | 48.02% |
What are the best Florida car insurance companies?
Each car insurance company advertises its low costs. But as with any product or service, the most affordable car insurance policy isn't always the best option. Considering the financial stakes, it's worthwhile to do the due diligence to find a policy that will cover your car adequately in the event of an accident. Work to find the best value, rather than settling for the most affordable auto insurance you find.
Compare top auto insurance companies' fiscal strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the level of service they might provide. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by AM Best and varying from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurance company's financial strength and ability to meet its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (AM Best) |
| 21st Century | 3 | Excellent |
| Allied | 3 | Superior |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Amica | 4 | Superior |
| Direct General | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Electric | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Esurance | Not Rated | Superior |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Infinity | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
Compare Florida's best insurance companies!
What insurance coverage do I need in Florida?
Required minimum insurance levels in Florida are $10,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $20,000 bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 property damage per accident.
If you opt for the minimum required coverage in Florida, be prepared to pay an average of $1,192 each year. This exceeds the national average by 81%. If you want a higher standard of coverage, select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages to insure against the costs of car-versus-car collisions, auto theft, or weather incidents. Better coverage comes at a price: in Florida, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,698, 42% more than basic insurance coverage. For comprehensive insurance coverage with a $500 deductible, Florida drivers can expect to pay 53% more than you would for a liability insurance-only policy.
Analyze average expenditures for basic, better, and best insurance coverage levels in the below table.
Florida car insurance laws
What are the state minimum auto insurance requirements in Florida?
In Florida, the minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
- Property Damage Liability (PDL) - $10,000 per accident
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - $10,000 per person
Optional car insurance coverages in Florida — varying by carrier — include:
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical and Funeral Services
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Additional information on coverage requirements in the state of Florida:
Florida auto insurance FAQs
Do I need to have car insurance in Florida?
Yes. In Florida — as in most U.S. states — you're required to maintain state-mandated minimum insurance requirements in order to drive.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Florida?
Yes. To legally register your vehicle in Florida, you will need to show proof of insurance.
Is Florida a no-fault state for car insurance?
Yes, Florida is a no-fault state. This means if you're injured in a crash, you're required to cover your own bodily injury payments — regardless of fault.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Florida?
Auto insurance companies charge higher-than-average rates in many parts of Florida due to the increased likelihood of claims and the state's relatively high share of uninsured drivers. When comparing car insurance rates in Florida, consider uninsured motorist coverage as an add-on.
How much does car insurance cost in Florida cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Gainesville, Florida, and the most expensive in West Palm Beach, Florida.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Palm Beach | $3,187 |
| 2 | Hialeah | $3,179 |
| 3 | Miami | $3,075 |
| 4 | Miami Gardens | $3,048 |
| 5 | Tampa | $2,990 |
| 6 | Coral Springs | $2,981 |
| 7 | Hollywood | $2,901 |
| 8 | Pompano Beach | $2,900 |
| 9 | Miami Beach | $2,897 |
| 10 | Brandon | $2,882 |
| 11 | Fort Lauderdale | $2,786 |
| 12 | Miramar | $2,784 |
| 13 | Pembroke Pines | $2,705 |
| 14 | St. Petersburg | $2,703 |
| 15 | Clearwater | $2,685 |
| 16 | Davie | $2,648 |
| 17 | Port St. Lucie | $2,386 |
| 18 | Spring Hill | $2,341 |
| 19 | Orlando | $2,301 |
| 20 | Jacksonville | $2,245 |
| 21 | Lakeland | $2,199 |
| 22 | Palm Bay | $2,084 |
| 23 | Tallahassee | $2,072 |
| 24 | Cape Coral | $2,026 |
| 25 | Gainesville | $1,839 |
Recent Florida Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can the other person still file an insurance claim against me if I wasn't issued a citation?
Yes, regardless of police involvement the other party can file a claim against you if you were at-fault. Your insurance will want to settle the claim to avoid a lawsuit.
My insurance company sent me a non-renewal notice. Will this affect my premiums going forward?
If they are non-renewing for an unsigned app, you should be able to contact them and get that resolved. If you don't want to stay with them, I would still finish the term and move on to a different insurer.
Can my new insurer cover a bodily injury claim made against me from my past accident when I was covered by a different company?
Unfortunately, State Farm will not handle your recent bodily injury claim since you no longer have a policy with them. Progressive would be the one to handle that claim since that is your current active plan.
Can a lender dictate what my deductible is?
Unfortunately, the terms of your loan can dictate what your coverage deductibles must be. Your lienholder may not necessarily notice right away if you change your deductible, but if they catch on they will add force-placed insurance, also known as collateral protection insurance, as a part of your monthly payments.
How does a ticket impact auto insurance rates in Florida?
When you receive a ticket your car insurance rates will probably go up. How much your rates rise depends on the violation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at average auto insurance rates in Florida after a few common citations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $3,204 | 56% | $1,146 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $3,100 | 51% | $1,041 |
| DUI | $3,100 | 51% | $1,041 |
| Racing | $3,168 | 54% | $1,109 |
| Reckless Driving | $3,142 | 53% | $1,083 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $3,116 | 51% | $1,057 |
| At-Fault Accident | $2,840 | 38% | $781 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $2,561 | 24% | $502 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $2,622 | 27% | $563 |
| Passing a School Bus | $2,584 | 26% | $526 |
| Improper Passing | $2,596 | 26% | $537 |
| Following Too Closely | $2,579 | 25% | $520 |
| Speeding | $2,679 | 30% | $621 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $2,596 | 26% | $537 |
| Illegal Turn | $2,596 | 26% | $537 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $2,596 | 26% | $537 |
| Failure to Yield | $2,596 | 26% | $537 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $2,584 | 26% | $525 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $2,584 | 26% | $525 |
| Distracted Driving | $2,568 | 25% | $509 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $2,274 | 10% | $215 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $2,263 | 10% | $204 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $2,198 | 7% | $139 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $2,076 | 1% | $17 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $2,076 | 1% | $17 |
| Driving Without Lights | $2,059 | 0% | $0 |
Florida Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Florida area, while also getting an insider view of the Sunshine State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.
